Do you have a large family?  If you have at least two kids if not more, you may wonder sometimes if you are really getting to know your kids as individuals.  Cut from the same cloth, perhaps, but each of your kids has something that makes them unique.  Time doesn’t always allow for getting to know each of your kiddos, but often times, if you’re creative, you can find the time to give them that individual attention they may be craving.

 Birthdays:

 The birthday party is a given, but what about a special birthday dinner for each child?  This could be as simple as a picnic at the park while your other children are being watched by a babysitter or as elegant as their first fine dining experience.  Either way, each of your children has a birthday, so they don’t need to be jealous or felt left out.  They will know that their turn is coming eventually when they get to spend that one on one time with Mom and Dad.

 Swapping:

 If you do have two children of opposite sex, you may find that your son spends more time with dad and your daughter spends more time with you.  Plan one Saturday a month to be mom and son time while dad and daughter do something together as well.  Remember to let them choose so you get an honest idea of what they enjoy.  Hey, you can handle one monster truck race now and again, Mom!

 Special Time:

 Beyond the once a year birthday dinner, you could plan regular outings with each individual child.  Maybe you rotate the last Sunday of the month with each child while the rest of the children stay with Grandma.  If it’s within your financial means to splurge, this could be a big event.  If not, remember that the goal is to get to know your child.  Just spending the day together at the house without the rest of the kids can allow for this to happen.

 Live fully,

Mia

 Especially if you live in a large area, chances are there are a bunch of places you’ve never bothered visiting.  Think outside the box and start searching on the internet for places to go nearby.  This is not only a great way to avoid those huge gas bills or hefty airline tickets, but it also eliminates the time spent “getting there.”

 Here’s a list to get that thought process moving!

 Nature farms

Candy factories that offer tours

Bee keeper

Community theater

Farmer’s market

Wildlife preserve

Bike trails

Hiking

White-water rafting

Fishing lakes

 And don’t forget about the library.  Maybe read up in the travel section in case gas prices drop or you have more time…. Next summer!

Live fully,

Mia